Former Barcelona sports chief Ramon Planes has detailed how they signed Pedri from Las Palmas.

Barca coach Xavi has declared Pedri the best young player in the world.

Planes, on the cost of the deal, said: "I don't like to give numbers, but based on what I know, I don't think it will reach 20 million euros, even if all the variables are met.

"It was a difficult option, the fact he could play one more year at Las Palmas was an important element and good for everyone, also for Pedri himself. With the add-ons, it's been a good sale for Las Palmas. Pedri pressed to have out offer accepted because of his affection for Barça."

On former coach Ronald Koeman's role, Planes said: "I have a good relationship with him and I spoke to him about (Pedri). He always had him in mind. We thought it might have been difficult for him to stay (with the first team) because there were a lot of loan offers. Well, Koeman only needed two training sessions to see how good he was and he wanted him to stay whatever.

"Xavi and Iniesta were top-level players, but Pedri's performances are incredible for his age and he has a gigantic future ahead of him. His football intelligence is within the reach of very few players."